Legal Counsel – Southern African Markets

Job Description

SENIORITY LEVEL: Mid-Senior Management
FUNCTION: Legal
SALARY RANGE: Competitive salary + excellent benefits + market leading bonus
LOCATION: Harare
REPORTS TO: Head Of Legal, East South Africa Cluster
GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE: Above Market

BAT is evolving at pace – truly like no other organisation.

To achieve the ambition, we have set for ourselves, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to live our values every day. Come be a part of this journey!

BAT ZIMBABWE IS LOOKING FOR A LEGAL COUNSEL – SOUTHERN AFRICAN MARKETS TO JOIN OUR TEAM IN HARARE

ROLE POSITIONING AND OBJECTIVES

The Role reports to the Head of Legal, ESA cluster to ensure proactive timely delivery of legal counselling to BAT’s operations within the SAM sub-cluster and to successfully implement and execute the Legal & Security Functional strategy and objectives.

The Role holder must take responsibility in advising BAT entities in SAM on all legal matters pertaining to commercial, operational, legal and regulatory compliance risks associated with business operations (factory production, supply chain, product, packaging, price, promotion) and associated legal & compliance issues (Anti Illicit Trade (AIT), Competition, Excise, Intellectual Property etc.). The role holder will also drive compliance with corporate governance requirements and the BAT Standards of Business Conduct including its related policies.

The role holder may serve as the Board secretary for the company in addition to representing the Legal & Security Function on the sub-cluster and Functional Leadership Teams.

WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

Operational/Professional/Business

• Contribute to the development and execution of the Legal & Security functional strategy.
• Monitor and interpret the ESA cluster legislative environment in which the business operates, to ensure that the business understands and meets its legal obligations.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of regulatory issues and the regulatory framework in which the business operates and take responsibility for the development of informed solutions enabling the business to respond to and deal with regulatory constraints.
• Management of any litigation instituted by or against the business as allocated by the Head of Legal within SAM cluster, including devising and executing case strategy. Assist the Head of Legal to ensure cost effective management of External Counsel.
• Drive and communicate an effective SAM governance and corporate compliance and reporting framework to senior management and external regulatory bodies as appropriate.
• Advise on and be actively involved in any proposed changes to the corporate structure, internal controls and governance practices for any BAT SAM entities, retirement benefit schemes and share ownership trusts.
• Drive the maintenance of control systems and appropriate company policies to proactively deal with risks, violations of legal, governance guidelines and internal policies and evaluate the efficiency of internal controls for continuous improvement.
• Ensure adequate implementation and compliance with the agreed records management programme and policies across SAM and develop cost-effective best practice solutions in line with records management resources.

Management

• Participate and contribute to cross functional business projects and initiatives to assess, monitor and anticipate potential threats to minimize legal risks and ensure achievement of business objectives.
• Monitor and interpret the legislative environment to ensure that proactive legal advice and support is provided to ensure compliance on manufacturer’s statutory obligations, product requirements, responsible marketing, labour laws, health and safety at
• work regulations, BAT’s AIT strategy, regulatory and policy engagement, intellectual property, excise and tax, immovable property, and other regulatory risks.
• Draft, negotiate and review contractual documentation and develop as appropriate standard formats to optimise efficiencies within the Legal sub-function.
• Execute relevant administrative activities in the Function to ensure the availability of resources, continuous flow of information and updated records.
• Effectively communicate across functions and within the department to keep all stakeholders informed and to find solutions for problems of mutual interest.
• Map out external stakeholders pertinent to areas of responsibility and build appropriate relationships.
• Identify and take steps in conjunction with management to minimise commercial, regulatory and reputational risks.

Leadership Capabilities

• Support, implement and achieve the strategic plans and objectives of the Legal sub-function in line with the business strategy.
• Powerful and effective communication to the business on the relevance and strategic business importance of the area of responsibility of this role.
• Identify new initiatives and proposals in line with the business strategy and values to ensure legal operates at the heart of the business and as effective risk managers and business partners.
• Continuously develop technical and managerial skills as identified and agreed in personal development plan.
• Build and maintain good relationships with experts in the legal field.
• Map out internal and external stakeholders pertinent to areas of responsibility and build those relationships to optimise effectiveness of legal actions.
• Continually optimise and build improved systems and work process to drive efficiency and reduce costs.
• Effectively manage the Legal budget and drive optimisation of costs to ensure a good return on BATs investment.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• A recognized legal qualification through a reputable academic institution and competence in providing legal advice to internal stakeholders.
• At least 4-5 years’ experience in a corporate environment with prior experience in private legal practice.
• At least 1-2 years’ experience as Board Secretary of a corporate entity.
• Sound knowledge of local substantive and procedural laws relevant to areas of responsibility e.g. commercial Law, labour laws, land laws, licensing, factory/manufacturing regulations, EHS legislation, etc.
• Sound knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements, corporate governance practices and emerging trends and issues on the same.
• Collaborative team player with strong negotiation, communication and dispute resolution skills
• Ability to apply strong strategic, analytical skills and good judgment.
• Ability to act on his or her own initiative, lead others and work well with peers and senior management.
• High personal and professional integrity and strong work ethics

WE ARE BAT

At BAT we are committed to our Purpose of creating A Better Tomorrow. This is what drives our people and our passion for innovation. See what is possible for you at BAT.

• Global Top Employer with 53,000 BAT people across more than 180 markets
• Brands sold in over 200 markets, made in 44 factories in 42 countries
• Newly established Tech Hubs building world-class capabilities for innovation in 4 strategic locations
• Diversity leader in the Financial Times and International Women’s Day Best Practice winner
• Seal Award winner – one of 50 most sustainable companies

BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER

Collaboration, diversity and teamwork underpin everything we do here at BAT. We know that collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals. Come bring your difference!